Has anyone else had Citalopram prescribed for managing anxiety. I have noticed that when I get stressed my bowels play up and I need to go yo the bathroom more than usual. This normally happens in the morning and I can go up to three times on a hour. It's not really full blown runs just soft. To be honest I can't remember what a normal bowel movement is. My doctor said it's just ibs and that stress can trigger it. I'm just a little scared of taking the citalopram as I take Mebeverine as well. Any help will be gratefully received. Thanks
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Claire44
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Hi i'm 69 years young and have suffered with IBS since having a hysterectomy back in the early 90s, i too are on Citalpram but had IBS long before taking it so i cant blame Citalpram. I manage mine myself and go to bed when its severe with a hot bottle that helps. all the best.
Good morning and thank you for your reply. I am trying to avoid taking it but I should really be open minded and give it a go, that's what my GP has said. I also use a hot water bottle and itdoes help with the pain as does the mebeverine. Thanks again
Hi thanks for your reply. I've heard they do work well it's just the scary side effects that puts me off and the thought of them making my diarrhoea worse. I know I should give them a go and I may be brave and start tonight.
It will take a while for you to feel any effect. It helps me to feel a little calmer about my IBS but definitely didn't make it any worse. Also I'm on the lowest dose.
Hi Angie the doctor has put me on the lowest dose. I know stress and anxiety are triggers for me so I am hopeful they will help calm me down a little. Thanks
Good Morning, yes I was prescribed Citilopram for ibs, Only taking it for 4/5 days when I collapsed in the street, very badly bruised my face on the concrete, was hospitalised for 4 days, doctor in hospital said the Citalopram caused my blood pressure to drop which caused the collapse so was taken off it and yet I have heard good reports about this medication from other sources. I had great hopes that this medication would help as ibs itself causes enormous stress. Good luck, just watch your blood pressure I guess.
Hi and thanks for your reply. My blood pressure is always on the high side. I too have heard good things but the thought of taking them fills me with dread. Hope you are ok now.
I would give it a try, my own doctor was surprised Citilopram affected me this way, one of the paramedics in the ambulance on way to hospital said it cured him, my bruises and black eyes took just months to fade but Ibs can last a lifetime, I am 6 yrs on. Like you I didn't want to take it initially but I will try anything to help get rid of this debilitating disease. Again good luck.
Thank you and I will. It's ruined my life for the last two years and I really don't think people understand how it can take over. I was an out going and confident person, but ibs has stripped me of that. Anything that may help I will try.
I was planning on going to the doctors tomorrow and asking for something for anxiety. Is that what they normally prescribe?
I thought I would give it ago, because I get anxious after every meal because I'm just waiting for my symptoms to start. But I have changed my diet and feel so much better so hoping and flare ups are stress realatd. Everything's worth a try I guess
Hi Kirsty. I have had councilling but to be honest I did not get much out of it. I think it is what they give you for stress and anxiety. Although another doctor tried to give me another stronger tablet. Apparently I need to chill out but it's easier said than done. Good luck and thanks for your reply.
Hi Claire44. I too have been stripped of my confidence! Haven't been able to work for over 12 months (I have a tribunal coming up soon about ESA too which is a absolutely terrifying!!) people just don't realise what it's like living in fear of having a bowel accident!!!
I was prescribed Citalopram too but had to stop taking them as they completely spaced me out! My GP said I'm sensitive to them but everyone is different so they may help you, my sister in law swears by them.
Hi Sue thanks for your reply and I am sorry to hear you are having a difficult time. I work full time and my job is quite demanding. I feel like I don't know how I get through the day sometimes and that no one really understands. It's a horrible illness but it's good to know that there is support out there. I am going to give the tablets a go it's worth a try. All the best to you.
I wish I could chill out too Claire. Like you said it's easier said than done, but I probably work myself up over the smallest flare up because you always think it can get worse.
I've had it for about 10 years, so try and tell myself how far I've come. It was so bad then but I've improved my symptoms so much by cutting things out, probiotics, trying new medications. That's why I want to try anxiety medicine then I think I've done everything I can ☺️
I can't offer advice about a connection between citalopram and bowel problems but I can offer a warning of citalopram causing diabetes. I took 10mg a day citalopram in 2010 for clinical depression for 7 weeks. The depression was cured perfectly. However my blood sugar at the beginning of the course was about 7. At the end it was 26 and since then I have had to take insulin daily (Humulin I) for type 2 diabetes.
Check out the Three principles and the work of Sydney Banks - his revelations helped a lot of people on a psychological level to stave off anxiety. Hope it helps. This is to hekp with stress and understanding how the mind and thoughts play a role. As he had a spiritual experience it also helps remind us on a deeper level understanding we all have God's help within us and He is with us all at all times.
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